Lavinia is a feminine given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "lavanda", which means "to wash" or "to cleanse". The name Lavinia has been associated with several historical figures and characters in literature.
In Roman mythology, Lavinia was the daughter of King Latinus of Laurentum. She was married to Aeneas, a Trojan hero who fled his homeland after the fall of Troy. According to legend, Lavinia was chosen by the gods as the wife of Aeneas, and her marriage helped to establish the foundation of Rome.
In Virgil's epic poem "The Aeneid", Lavinia is described as a beautiful and virtuous woman who is beloved by both Aeneas and Turnus, a rival suitor. The struggle between these two men for Lavinia's hand in marriage ultimately leads to war between their respective peoples.
Throughout history, the name Lavinia has been used in various cultures and languages. In some cases, it has been used as a given name, while in others it has been adopted as a surname. Today, Lavinia remains a popular choice for girls' names in many parts of the world.
Overall, Lavinia is a unique and regal-sounding name with a rich historical and mythological background. Its Latin origins add to its elegance and sophistication, making it a timeless choice for parents looking for a special name for their daughter.
The name Lavinia has a unique history of usage in the United States, with its popularity fluctuating over time. Between 1880 and 2023, there have been a total of 5486 births registered as Lavinia.
The peak years for the name were during World War I, from 1914 to 1919, when there were an average of 75 births per year. The highest number of births in a single year was in 1918, with 86 babies named Lavinia. However, after the war, the popularity of the name began to decline.
In the 1920s and 1930s, there were an average of 45 births per year, but this dropped significantly during World War II, with only 20 births in 1943. The post-war period saw a slight increase in popularity, with an average of 36 births per year between 1945 and 1954.
The 1960s and 1970s were another peak for the name Lavinia, with an average of 38 births per year. However, this trend did not continue into the 1980s and 1990s, when there was a significant decline in popularity, with fewer than 25 births per year on average.
Despite its fluctuating popularity, Lavinia remains a distinctive and historic name in the United States. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the name, with an average of 67 births per year between 2014 and 2023. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues into the future.